You really can't hide from stress these days. It seeps up into pretty much every aspect of our lives, from work to relationships and even everyday activities or errands. While you really can't avoid life's stresses, you can learn how to manage and cope with them.
There are so many different ways to manage stress, and everyone has their own personal preference, but we decided to ask 12 successful women—from artists to entrepreneurs to models—about how they stay calm and centered when everything gets crazy. All of them are part of Create & Cultivate's 100 List in partnership with Chevrolet, the brand's list of amazing women who are disrupting industries and paving their own path in a variety of industries, from fashion, food, entertainment, health and wellness, and more.
Take a look at their best de-stressing tips below, and try to incorporate some of them in your life.
Lily Aldridge, model and founder of Lily Aldridge Parfums
"As a working mom, it can definitely be difficult to find the time for self-care. Any free time that I have, I want to spend it with my family—but I've realized how important it is to carve out time for myself.
"One way I do this is by taking a bath every morning. I love Goop bath salts—especially the Phys.Ed. Recovery Bath Soak. That's one way to quickly recharge and take a moment to breathe and relax. Manicures are also a favorite indulgence; I try to go once a week, if I can. Having a fresh manicure brings me joy."
Cassandra Grey, founder of Violet Grey
"For me, it all starts in bed with an effective sleep routine. First up, a bath. I read somewhere that Tom Ford bathes three times a day and likes to sip on a tall glass of iced espresso while in his morning bath (he apparently doesn't like warm drinks). This kind of imagined glamour is what motivates me to get in the bath every night. While I don't suggest espresso at night, I do like the idea of drinking a tall glass of iced cucumber water. I add Susanne Kaufman's St. John's Wort Bath for a natural mild sedative effect (no prescription required). St. John's Wort extract is calming, helps with anxiety and insomnia, and also soothes sore muscles and stomach cramps. Oh, and I like to meditate for 20 minutes while in the bath. My shrink, Dr. Stutz (expensive but worth it), recommends the golden light meditation."
"Dr. Barbara Sturm's skincare is a necessity in my wardrobe, and her Sleep Food supplement is no exception. I take two capsules with water an hour before bed and reap the benefits of deep sleep. I find that I wake up looking well-rested, which, when you are over 30 and/or have children, is hard to achieve without a little help. As legend has it, Diana Vreeland injected perfume in her pillows with a syringe. I love this so much. My take on it is misting The Nue Co.'s Functional Fragrance on my black Silk Slip pillow. It's a woody, spicy, smoky blend designed specifically to reduce stress-and it works."
Miranda Kerr, model and founder of Kora Organics
"Regular meditation helps me stay calm and centered. I try to meditate at least twice a day—morning and night, and sometimes during the day when I can. In the morning, it helps me to set my intention for the day so I start the day with a positive mind-set. During the day, it helps me re-center and re-focus so I can best navigate through any challenges; and at night it's great to let go of the day and unwind for deep, restful sleep. Recently I've learned Kriya Yoga, which is an ancient meditation technique of energy and breath control. I also practice transcendental meditation and sometimes I'll do a guided meditation. I like to switch it up based on how I'm feeling.
"I also love to burn palo santo before I begin my mediation to help clear the space and energy and set the tone. I also sometimes hold crystals while I meditate. I created this little Energy Clearing Ritual kit with palo santo and mini crystals just for this purpose."
Nyma Tang, beauty vlogger
"My current stress-reducing wellness ritual is working out first thing in the morning. Cycling right when I wake up gives me a sense of accomplishment and relief; it truly clears my head so I can focus on tackling the rest of the day and completing all my tasks and errands. Doing that first good thing for myself in the morning leaves me feeling positive and ready to take on the day."
Franchelli Rodriguez, beauty influencer
I love doing face and hair masks! That's definitely one of my favorite things to do on self-care days. I love using the Bentonite Clay Mask because I can put it on my hair and on my face. I mix the powder with apple cider vinegar and apply it. This always leaves my skin and hair detoxified and feeling extra soft! You should totally try it out if you haven't already."
Shani Darden, celebrity esthetician
"I always have sage and palo santo burning at my house and at my studio to inspire positivity and abundance! It's a really calming ritual for me and helps create a really soothing environment at the studio as well!"
Desi Perkins, beauty influencer
"Every day I start by filling out my journal so I can remind myself what I'm doing for the day and what my goals are. I write a list out so I can check off my tasks and not get too overwhelmed."
Paige Adams Geller, founder of Paige
"There are a few! I start my mornings off with either a hike or run outside. I love Mother Nature or Mother Nurture, as I call her. I love listening to the birds or rustling of the trees outside, it calms me. Then I'll end it with a 10-minute meditation on the Calm app."
TyLynn Nguyen, designer, model, content creator
"I pray and remember to breathe! Listening to gospel music and spending time with my family always does the trick."
Brittany Xavier, fashion influencer
"I love infrared heating blankets to clear toxins and burn calories in a really relaxing setting. I usually go to a place for it, but I recently bought an at-home blanket, and it's really nice. I love using it at the end of the day. It makes me get off my phone and sit for 40 minutes, I always fall asleep faster on nights when I use it, too."
Lauren Chan, founder and CEO of Henning
"Can I say watching Netflix? I recently bought a Magic Bag Heating Pad to apply to my shoulders, which are always tense from sitting at a computer, while I binge-watch. Life-changing!"
Iskra Lawrence, model, body positivity advocate, and ambassador for the National Eating Disorder Association
"I believe in the power of self-affirmation in the mirror. It's a daily ritual that transforms your day in a positive, uplifting way. I'm currently doing it out loud while rubbing my favorite oil or lotion into my growing baby bump as I'm also passing those affirmations to my baby."
Next up: Here Are All the Ways Fashion Insiders Deal With Burnout
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.
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